Gordon Campbell: Interview with Francis Etienne on eve of RWC semi-final against Wales
Click for big version.
Photograph supplied by French Embassy
Gordon Campbell interviewed the French Ambassador Francis Etienne this morning (October 14) about New Zealand’s
relationship with France and the importance of rugby.
Click a link to play audio (or right-click to download) in either
MP3 format or in OGG format.
The French Ambassador to New Zealand is "anxious, confident and excited" ahead of this weekend's Rugby World Cup semi
final clash between France and Wales.
Francis Etienne will be at the game which he expects to be emotional and thrilling.
Etienne is hoping for a France - All Blacks final and says French supporters have been thrilled with the warm welcome
they have received in New Zealand.
The RWC is helping strengthen ties between France and New Zealand and about 12,000 French supporters are estimated to
have come to New Zealand for the tournament.
Etienne says the event has brought the two countries closer and stories and pictures about New Zealand are constantly
being published in the French news.
The two countries met in the final in 1987 - the only time New Zealand has won the tournament.
ENDS